What is hibiscus tea used for?

If you have experienced or know someone who is going through the process of weight loss, it is certain that you and the person have already thought about hibiscus tea. However, perhaps, there is something you do not know: besides reducing weight, the tea has several advantages for the body, which brings more than one benefit.

Normally, when people are going through the process of losing weight, they usually get attached to several things that may not be true. They buy products, vitamins, make teas and end up frustrated. However, hibiscus tea has been studied by some nutritionists, used in many researches and it was proven the benefits it offers.

Because it is a tea of easy access, because it is found in markets, the hibiscus tea is very well known and popular among people. In addition, he is quite indicated by nutritionists. But ultimately, what are these benefits of tea and what is its origin? To learn more about these and other information, continue reading this article.

More about hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea is prepared from the leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa, which, in turn, are largely responsible for the benefits that the tea offers. The leaves of this tea are aromatic and have been used in medicine for centuries, which proves its effectiveness.

However, there are some things that need to be said and people need to know before drinking the tea around. Thinking about this and the welfare of people who are thinking about losing weight, we decided to share the main information about the recipe. Check it out!

Properties of hibiscus tea

The properties of hibiscus tea are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. They rely on the antioxidant effects due to the high rates of B vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin C, and among the minerals are iron, calcium, potassium and a good amount of fiber. That's why the tea serves several functions, including fighting hypertension.

Origin of hibiscus

It is not known for sure about the origin of the hibiscus, however, the first records show that it was first seen in East Africa and Asia. Upon arriving in Europe, the Hibiscus was not so accepted, however, the smell, the taste and the beneficial properties ended up conquering the Europeans a while later.

On the other hand, when it arrived in Brazil, by the hands of slaves, the plant was very well used. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. This is because it adapts to warmer places.

Side effects

As for the side effects, they are related to people who suffer from low blood pressure. In this case, it is common for the person to experience some dizziness, drowsiness, darkening of vision or fainting in some cases.

Contraindications

Hibiscus tea reduces estrogen levels in the body and, therefore, it should not be ingested by people taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Moreover, it is also able to inhibit ovulation temporarily and alter fertility.

In cases of pregnancy or lactating person is not indicated to use the recipe. This is because hibiscus tea acts on the muscles of the uterus, which can cause an abortion or genetic mutations.

Benefits of hibiscus tea

As it is known the hibiscus tea is responsible for several benefits, including for people who have diabetes, which in this case are more risky to avoid certain types of food and drinks. In addition to slimming, this infusion is rich in minerals, these that help in the care of skin, bones and hair.

Thinking about all these benefits, we decided to share with you each of them. So you can prove whether the tea is good or not.

Lowers blood pressure

When the vessels in which blood circulates contract, blood pressure tends to appear. That said, it is important to stress that once this happens, a person can have heart problems such as heart attacks or stroke.

The good part is that hibiscus tea has been proven to reduce blood pressure, as anthocyanins are found in the tea and they are responsible for the antihypertensive effects. The presence of vitamins, minerals and organic acids in the plant makes stress prevention, which helps in controlling cardiovascular diseases.

A research published in a Journal, The Journal of Nutrition, studied 65 people with hypertension and proved that those who ingested the tea had a significant decrease in blood pressure.

Helps to lose weight

Some research has proven that hibiscus tea helps reduce the creation of fat cells, preventing their accumulation in the body. The flavonoids and anthocyanins, present in the tea, help prevent this problem.

The tea will be responsible for preventing fats from being located in the part of the abdomen and hips, besides blocking the production of amylase, an enzyme that turns starch into sugar.

Helps cholesterol

Daily consumption of hibiscus tea will contribute in reducing blood cholesterol levels and triglycerides in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

A study conducted by the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine proved that 60 people with diabetes who ingested the drink had an increase in "good" (HDL) cholesterol and a decrease in "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides.

Regarding people with obesity or high blood pressure, research carried out at the University of Guadalajara has shown that those who ingested 100 mg of hibiscus extract every day had a decrease in total cholesterol and an increase in "good" cholesterol.

Good for the liver

Some researches done in humans and animals have proven that the consumption of hibiscus tea improves liver health. That is, the tea is responsible for increasing detoxifying enzymes and reducing damage to the organ.

According to the research that was released in ''The Journal of Functional Foods,'' if you are an overweight person and take the hibiscus extract for 12 weeks, liver steatosis will benefit.

Diuretic

The hibiscus tea contains quercetin. For those who do not know, quercetin is a substance that has diuretic action, which increases the production of urine throughout the day and night, if applicable. The consumption of tea, in turn, will eliminate a greater amount of toxins and water retained by the body.

Because it has a diuretic action, the tea is able to eliminate potassium and other electrolytes. That is why it cannot be recommended for people with serious heart disease, who need adequate levels of these minerals.

Antioxidant

Hibiscus tea is also rich in antioxidants and due to this, it prevents premature aging. But not only that, the drink is also responsible for preventing diseases caused by the accumulation of free radicals, which cause damage to cells.

A study was conducted on mice in Nigeria. This study proved that hibiscus extract increases the number of antioxidant enzymes and reduces the harmful effects of free radicals by up to 92%. However, it is fair to point out that studies are still needed to prove whether hibiscus tea provides this benefit in humans as well.

In contrast, in addition to preventing premature aging, it is a powerful weapon for cancer prevention. This is because the phytonutrients present in tea reduce the damage caused by free radicals to the DNA of cells, which can lead to mutations.

Analgesic action

Hibiscus tea also contains painkillers, which is great for those suffering from gastritis or for women who are suffering from cramps. The tea is able to relieve pain with its analgesic and soothing effect.

Soothing

Everyone knows that tea is a great ally to relieve tension and bad feelings. It is a great friend in these hours. Hibiscus tea, in turn, can be a great ally when you're in a more troubled day than normal. Besides the antioxidant effects, analgesic, the tea also brings calming effect. What enables the relaxation of people in a more difficult day.

Helps immunity

Hibiscus tea is a great helper in relation to immunity. Because it contains vitamin C, it ends up being a great stimulant for the immune system. In addition, the flower of this infusion also works as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Therefore, the balanced use of this drink can prevent colds or flu.

Helps prevent diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Hibiscus tea is beneficial for people who suffer from diabetes or metabolic syndrome. According to some nutritionists, there are no contraindications for this group of people. This is because the tea has antiglycemic properties and, because of this, it is recommended for such people.

Helps digestion

In addition to controlling blood pressure, hibiscus tea is responsible for promoting digestion. It is known that a good digestion can eliminate waste more quickly. Consequently, the tea will make the person lose weight faster.

Hibiscus tea

Now that you know more about hibiscus tea, its plant and what benefits it offers, it's only fair that you learn how to prepare it. Below, you will know the hibiscus tea recipe, how to prepare it and, especially, the necessary instructions for nothing to go wrong and not harm the health.

Although it is an excellent tea and very well recommended, it also craves care, that is, it is not just drinking because you saw that it brings many benefits and helps you lose weight. For this, it is necessary a whole process. Learn the recipe and indications below:

Indications

It is extremely important that, once you decide you are going to drink this tea, the best thing to do is to have a professional accompaniment. This way, he/she will know how to advise you perfectly and help you if necessary. However, knowing that there are people who usually do not seek these professionals, here are some indications about the tea. Check them out:

- It should not be taken at night. This, due to its diuretic action;

- People with serious heart disease, should not take the tea before a professional diagnosis;

- If you consume too much you may suffer like headache, nausea, hypotension, cramps and liver related problems;

- Consume 200 ml of tea per day;

- Pregnant and lactating women should not ingest hibiscus tea.

Ingredients

To prepare hibiscus tea, you will need some dried hibiscus petals and water. The petals can be easily found in markets or at any Nature Center. At Nature Center, you can find the traditional bag with the hibiscus flowers, to prepare tea with the plant itself.

How to do

With the ingredients in hand it's time to get hands-on:

- Bring the water to a boil.

- When it starts to boil, turn off, add the hibiscus and stifle for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not leave more than ten.

- Strain and drink.

- Do not sweeten it with sugar or other sweeteners;

Note: If you prefer, you have the option of drinking it cold. Thus, keep it in the refrigerator for no more than 6h. However, the ideal is always to take it right after preparation, not to lose its properties.

Among all the benefits that the tea offers, hibiscus also aids in the health of the skin, bones and hair, as well as helping the brain to keep its functions in harmony.

How often can I take hibiscus tea?

As exposed during the article, hibiscus tea is one of the strongest recommendations for people who are seeking to lose weight, however, like everything in life, it is necessary to take care to save yourself and take care of your health. Remember that less is more and that everything that we consume too much inevitably turns into poison.

Therefore, it is fair - if not necessary - to emphasize that medical monitoring before ingesting hibiscus tea is super important and, in some cases, essential. This way, it prevents diseases or health complications.

Tea should be ingested in 200 ml, that is, one or two cups a day. This should be done in the morning until the afternoon at 3 p.m. In addition to the need to be on a balanced diet while ingesting the drink, it is important that you drink at least 2 liters of water.

Little by little you will see results, so don't rush and don't drink it more often than necessary.